Comparison of MicroRNA Levels of 18-60-month-old Autistic Children with Those of Their Siblings and Controls

Objective

The present study aims to compare the levels of 7 microRNAs (mi-RNAs) (mi-RNA-125b, mi-RNA-23a-3p, mi-RNA-146a-5p, mi-RNA-106a, mi-RNA-151a-3p, mi-RNA-28, mi-RNA-125a) in the blood of the preschool children with autism and those of their siblings with healthy controls, and to investigate the association between these mi-RNAs and the severity of autism, behavioral problems, and siblings' autistic traits.

Methods

A total of 35 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the ages of 18-60 months (patient group), 35 non-affected siblings of the ASD group (sibling group), and 30 control subjects (control group) were involved in the study. The severity of ASD was measured using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale and the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). The behavioral problems of the children with ASD were assessed with the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, and the autistic traits of the siblings were assessed using the Autism spectrum screening scale for children.

Results

mi-RNA-106a-5p, mi-RNA-151a-3p, and mi-RNA-28-3p were found to be expressed significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between mi-RNA-23a and the sensory subscale of the ABC. mi-RNA-151a was significantly associated with sound sensitivity and mi-RNA-28 with echolalia. After controlling for age and sex, the differences between groups were disappeared.

Conclusion

The present study examined mi-RNAs that have been reported as biomarkers in the literature. Although several symptom clusters are found to be related to certain mi-RNA expression levels, they were not found to be significant in discriminating the patient and healthy groups.

The XRCC1 and TP53 gene polymorphisms are associated with advanced-stage disease and early distant metastasis at diagnosis in non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Studies on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) suggest that DNA repair capacity may have prognostic implications for disease recurrence and survival. However, there is no study investigating the relationship between SNPs and the risk of metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis in patients with NSCLC.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the potential predictive value of SNPs in detecting the risk of metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis and poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC.

Material and Methods

In this prospective cohort study, we evaluated 275 patients with NSCLC. Analysis of SNPs from peripheral blood cells was performed by a polymerase chain reaction. Excision repair cross-complementing group 1 (ERCC1)- Asn118Asn, excision repair cross-complementing group 2 (ERCC2)-Lys751Gln, X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1)-Arg399Gln, and tumor protein 53 (TP53)-Arg72Pro polymorphisms were evaluated in conjunction with the development of metastasis.

Results

The ERCC1 normal genotype, ERCC2 heterozygote genotype, XRCC1 normal genotype, and TP53 normal genotype were associated with a higher stage and more advanced-stage disease at the time of initial diagnosis (P = 0.027, 0.005, <0.001, and 0.006, respectively). Also, XRCC1 normal genotype and TP53 normal genotype were associated with the risk of metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis (P = <0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Moreover, the XRCC1 normal genotype was associated with the risk of brain metastasis at the time of initial diagnosis (P = 0.031).

Conclusions

We showed that SNPs are related to a higher stage and more advanced-stage disease at the time of initial diagnosis in patients with NSCLC, and XRCC1 and TP53 gene polymorphisms are associated with the risk of metastasis. These results may contribute to the identification of high-risk groups and may help to earlier diagnosis and treatment in patients with NSCLC.

Novel Findings, Mini-Review and Dysmorphological Characterization of 16p13.11 Microduplication syndrome

The short arm of chromosome 16 and especially the region 16p13.11 is a chromosome region where many structural variants, especially deletions and duplications, can be observed. While deletions of this region are clinically well defined, duplications are rare, and so far, there is no established clinical consensus in regard with its clinical picture, and especially the dysmorphic perspective of the disease is far from being clear. A 5-year-and-2-month-old patient who presented with epilepsy, autism and late speech onset complaints, was evaluated in our genetics department. On physical examination unilateral preauricular skin tag and upslanting palpebral fissures were noted. Microarray analysis was performed and reported as ([hg19]: 16p13.11 (14.897.804-16.730.375) x3). The literature review revealed only a few reports about the syndrome, but some dysmorphological findings appear to recur in different reports, which enables a possible characterization. Dysmorphic findings were discussed.

The Genetic Analysis of Cystic Fibrosis Patients With Seven Novel Mutations in the CFTR Gene in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis, a pulmonary disease which is an autosomal recessive, inherited, multisystemic genetic disease commonly seen in the Caucasian race, is the most frequent cause of mortality and morbidity. So far, more than 2000 disease-causing gene variants have been found and this number has been increasing with the studies conducted. Although there is not yet enough data that include the Turkish population, the recent increase of studies is noteworthy.

AIMS

To discover the genetic variation in patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in the Central Anatolian region.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

The study was carried out in the Central Anatolian region in 3 pediatric pulmonology departments (Kayseri, Konya, and Ankara) in Turkey between July 2014 and December 2017. The Sanger and Next Generation Sequence analyses were used for exon and exon-intron boundaries in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulatory (CFTR) gene, and in selected patients, mutation analysis was performed using the Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification technique for large deletions and duplications.

RESULTS

CFTR gene analysis was performed for 316 patients and 215 of them were genetically diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Sixtythree different variants were defined in these patients and 7 of these were large deletions/duplications detected with the MLPA method. The most frequent variants were F508del (29.6%), G85E (8.2%), N1303K (8.2%), Y515* (7.5%), and G542* (3.4%).

CONCLUSION

Using sequencing and Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification methods, the identification of seven new mutations that were not previously reported in the literature contributes to a better understanding of the heterogeneous nature of CFTR mutations in the Turkish population. When no mutations are detected (pathogenic/probably pathogenic) in clinically compatible cases, Multiplex Ligationdependent Probe Amplification analysis contributes significantly to the diagnosis.

Interchromosomal effect: Report of a father and son, bearing different translocations of the same chromosome, and a review of the current literature

Interchromosomal effect is a controversial phenomenon postulating that during gametogenesis of translocation carriers, aside from the unbalanced segregation of chromosomes involved in the translocation, other, structurally normal chromosomes might also be affected and segregated abnormally. Here, we present a balanced reciprocal translocation carrier t(15;20)(q11;p13), and his son, bearing a different translocation of chromosome 15, t(15;Y)(q11;q12). To further elucidate the so-far-controversial interchromosomal effect phenomenon, published original articles and case reports about interchromosomal effect were reviewed. The father was a carrier of t(15;20)(q11;p13). His wife's karyotype was normal. During a pregnancy occurred without any preceding procedure, amniocentesis was recommended to the family and performed. Result of the amniocentesis revealed a different translocation of chromosome 15; t(15;Y)(q11;q12). To our knowledge, this is the first report of two generations within a family, bearing different translocations of a chromosome. On top of all previous studies investigating ICE, our case adds an important finding, showing not only the rate of aneuploidies of structurally normal chromosomes, but also the rate of this 'alternating translocations' might be increased in translocation carriers, and this could be an important clue about interchromosomal effects.

A Novel Pathogenic Variant of the CFTR Gene in a Patient with Cystic Fibrosis Phenotype-c.4096A > T

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic multisystemic disease originating from functional alterations in CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) protein. To date, more than 300 pathogenic variants have been described in the literature. However, the diagnosis of CF, which was thought to become easier after the CFTR gene was identified, became more complicated due to the enormous amount of variations. In this study, we present a patient whose clinical findings were consistent with cystic fibrosis (CF) and showed a homozygous missense change that is not previously reported in the CFTR gene as pathogenic. In the next-generation sequencing analysis, homozygous c.4096A > T single-nucleotide exchange (I1366F [p.Ile1366Phe], missense) was shown in both alleles of the patient' CFTR gene. According to our database analysis, this variant has not yet been previously reported (VarSome, ClinVar, MutationTaster, Ensembl, dbSNP, PubMed). We do consider the change as pathogenic since the patient's findings were compatible with CF and the data analysis was in favor of pathogenicity. The most recent consensus report published in 2017 emphasized the importance of CFTR gene analysis, and this study emphasizes the difficulties of associating CFTR gene variations with a clinical picture and constitutes a new data on the genotype-phenotype correlation of CFTR variants. Also, considering the frequency of CF (according to World Health Organization data, every 1 out of 2,000-3,000 infants is born with CF in European Union countries and every 1 out of 3,500 in the United States) as well as the increasing rate of molecular studies performed on CF patients worldwide, reporting novel variation has an additional value.

Male infertility associated with de novo pericentric inversion of chromosome 1

Inversion occurs after two breaks in a chromosome have happened and the segment rotates 180° before reinserting. Inversion carriers have produced abnormal gametes if there is an odd number crossing- over between the inverted and the normal homologous chromosomes causing a duplication or deletion. Reproductive risks such as infertility, abortion, stillbirth and birth of malformed child would be expected in that case. A 54-year- old male patient was consulted to our clinic for primary infertility. The routine chromosome study were applied using peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures and analyzed by giemsa-trypsin-giemsa (GTG) banding, and centromer banding (C-banding) stains. Y chromosome microdeletions in the azoospermia factor (AZF) regions were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction. Additional test such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to detect the sex-determining region of the Y chromosome (SRY). Semen analysis showed azoospermia. A large pericentric inversion of chromosome 1 46,XY, inv(1) (p22q32) was found in routine chromosome analysis. No microdeletions were seen in AZF regions. In our patient the presence of SRY region was observed by using FISH technique with SRY-specific probe. Men who have pericentric inversion of chromosome 1, appear to be at risk for infertility brought about by spermatogenic breakdown. The etiopathogenic relationship between azoospermia and pericentric inversion of chromosome 1 is discussed.

Micronuclei frequencies in lymphocytes and cervical cells of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine micronucleus (MN) frequencies in exfoliated cervical cells and peripheral blood lymphocytes of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and Methods:

Fifteen patients with PCOS and 11 healthy control patients were included in the study. Cervical smears and peripheral blood were collected from all patients. Specimens were analyzed for MN frequencies and compared between the groups. In addition to MN, other nuclear anomalies connected with both genotoxicity and cytotoxicity were evaluated.

Results:

The MN frequencies in cervical smear and peripheral blood lymphocytes were compared in patients with PCOS and normal controls. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding micronucleus frequency in peripheral blood lymphocytes (p=0.239). The mean MN scores in exfoliated cervical cells of patients with PCOS and normal controls were 1.19±0.57 and 0.74±0.34, respectively. The difference regarding micronucleus frequencies in cervical cells was statistically significant between the groups (p=0.032).

Conclusion:

Although study group is small, our study results support that there is an increased micronucleus frequency in cervical exfoliated cells of PCOS patients; this is a determinant of genetic hazard in the disease.

Spectrum of mutations in the familial Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) in Turkish patients of the Central Anatolia region: a comparison of two mutation detection system

The purpose of this study was to determine the spectrum of the most common mutations in the familial Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) in Turkish patients from the Central Anatolia region, by using two different methods for detecting FMF-associated mutations with different screening panels, and compare our results with other diagnostic molecular genetics centers. A total of 1579 patients were analyzed. Genomic DNA from 304 patients was tested for 6 common mutations located in exon 2 (E148Q), and exon 10 (M680I, M694V, M694I, V726A, R761H) by real-time PCR while 1275 patients were tested for 17 mutations located in exon 2 (E148Q), and exon10 [M680I (G/C), M680I (G/A), I692del, M694V, M694I, K695R, V726A, S675N, G678E, M680L, T681I, M694L, K695M, R717S, I720M, V722M] by pyrosequencing. The most frequent mutation was M694V, followed by M680I, E148Q, and V726A. Ten mutations in the panel were not detected in any patients. Finally, we compared our results with those of other centers in Turkey to contribute to the identified spectrum of Turkish MEFV mutations and we discuss which MEFV mutations are informative for evaluating an FMF patient.

Warburg micro syndrome in two children from a highly inbred Turkish family

Warburg Micro syndrome (WMS) was first reported by Warburg in 1993. The cardinal features are microcephaly, microphthalmia, congenital cataract and intellectual disability. We report on two children from a highly inbred family with microcephaly, congenital cataract, optic atrophy, hypotonia and severe psychomotor retardation. This phenotype is similar to other reported rare entities and especially to the family reported by Warburg. Four other children in the same family may also have been affected. In this report, the symptoms and features of our cases are compared with the Warburg Micro syndrome patients in literature.

Effect of mobile phone station on micronucleus frequency and chromosomal aberrations in human blood cells

The use of mobile telephones has rapidly increased worldwide as well as the number of mobile phone base stations that lead to rise low level radiofrequency emissions which may in turn have possible harm for human health. The national radiation protection board has published the known effects of radio waves exposure on humans living close to mobile phone base stations. However, several studies have claimed that the base station has detrimental effects on different tissues. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of mobile phone base stations on the micronucleus (MN) frequency and chromosomal aberrations on blood in people who were living around mobile phone base stations and healthy controls. Frequency of MN and chromosomal aberrations in study and control groups was 8.96 +/- 3.51 and 6.97 +/- 1.52 (p: 0.16); 0.36 +/- 0.31 and 0.75 +/- 0.61 (p: 0.07), respectively. Our results show that there was not a significant difference of MN frequency and chromosomal aberrations between the two study groups. The results claim that cellular phones and their base stations do not produce important carcinogenic changes.

A new heritable fragile site at 15q13 in a three-generation family

Here, we describe a family ascertained through recurrent spontaneous abortions in which a new heritable fragile site located at 15q13 is segregating. The fragile site was present in nine members of a three-generation family and expressed spontaneously in a high proportion of the metaphases varying from 88 to 95% under standard culture conditions in all the carriers. This didn't change under folate deficiency.